John Y. Nelson, a member of the cast of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, poses for a half-length, studio portrait. He is wearing a wide- brimmed hat and a buckskin coat with tassles around the pockets. He has a full gray beard and long hair. Nelson guided Brigham Young to Utah in 1847 and was a scout with William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody at Fort McPherson in 1869. He acted as interpreter in some of the shows and also served as a stagecoach driver and cowboy in some of the acts. Nelson also played the settler in the "Attack on a Settler's Cabin" act in which the settlers are saved by Cody. Nelson and his Sioux family were presented to Queen Victoria while the show toured in England in 1887.

Copyright restrictions applying to use or reproduction of this image available from the Western History and Genealogy Dept., Denver Public Library, at photosales@denverlibrary.org.

Reproduction Available for Purchase

Yes (digital reproduction)

Related Material

Image File: ZZR700105116

Notes

"John Nelson - T̀he Squaw Man' of Buffalo Bill's Wild West. married to a Sioux Indian (see group photo of show in 1884) Driver of Deadwood Stage-coach in the arena 1887 Given by the Salsbury family from the collection of Nate Salsbury owner and manager of Buffalo Bill's Wild West" handwritten on paper stuck to back or print.; Title typed on photoprint.; Vintage photographic print with photographer's stamp on back reading "Elliott and Fry Photographers 55 & 56, Baker Street, London."; R7001051169

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